Karachi, 30 October, 2023 (GNP): Inzamamul Haq, the Chief Selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, has announced his decision to step down from his post.
This development is followed by media reports alleging Haq’s stake in a player’s management company registered with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with several top players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, reportedly associated with the company.
These reports raised concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the team selection process.
In an interview on the TV program Haq disclosed that he had approached the PCB after these allegations and requested the board to conduct an inquiry.
Subsequently, a five-member committee was formed to investigate the matter, prompting Haq to temporarily step down from his position until the probe is completed.
Also Read: India seeks release of ex-navy personnel sentenced to death in Qatar
Haq expressed his willingness to cooperate with the PCB once the inquiry concludes. He highlighted the pain caused by baseless allegations and emphasized his 20-year cricket career representing Pakistan.
He vehemently denied any involvement with the player’s management company in question, Saya Corporation, stating that such companies are recommended by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the PCB possesses all their relevant data.
Concurrently, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in a social media post, confirmed the formation of a five-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations of conflict of interest in the team selection process as reported in the media. The committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the PCB management promptly.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set up a five-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations in respect of conflict of interest reported in the media pertaining to the team selection process.
The committee will submit its report and any recommendations to the PCB…
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 30, 2023
Inzamamul Haq, who began his second stint as Chief Selector on August 7, had previously held the same role in 2016, serving for three years before concluding his term in 2019.
This resignation comes at a time when the national team faces significant criticism for its performance in the World Cup, with four consecutive losses against India, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa, following initial victories against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.
